Allahabad: The Prayag Tirtha

Quick Facts

Location : One of the holiest city of Hindus, and
one of the oldest cities in India, Allahadbad is situated in the state
of Uttar Pradesh at the confluence point of Rivers Ganga and Yamuna. It
is 240 km from Lucknow, the state capital, 135 km from Varanasi, the
oldest town of Uttar Pradesh, and 585 km from the national capital,
Delhi.

Climate : Climate in the city is extreme, with
summer temperatures soaring to 45 degree Celsius max. and winter
temperature decelerating to 12 degree Celsius.

Known For : Maha Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, Allahabad
Fort, Sangam or confluence of the three most sacred rivers of
India-Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

Best Time for Visit : September to March

Major AttractionsSangam : Sangam, literally meaning 'confluence' is the
meeting point of three very important rivewr of India, namely Ganga, Yamuna
and Saraswati. It is the pilgrimage site of great importance for the Hindus
as Kumbh Mela is held here every 12 years and the ashes of the dead are
immersed, including that of Mahatma Gandhi. A bath here in the holy waters,
is considered to wash all the sins away and reach heaven after their demise.

Allahabad Fort : Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583
AD, this fort is situated on northern banks of River Yamuna. Allahabad Fort
is situated near Sangam, on the banks of River Yamuna. The largest of all
the forts built by Akbar, this one is a real masterpiece with its brilliant
architecture, a synonym of Mughal craftsmanship. The fort embodies the
remarkable Jodhabai Mahal, the Patalpur temple, Saraswati Kund and Akshaya
Vat and is adorned by huge walls, towers and gateways.

Anand Bhavan And Swaraj Bhavan : The beautiful white
palace has served as an ancestral home to Jawahar Lal Nehru, who was the
first Prime Minister of India and played an important role in the
Independence struggle, and his family including his daughter Indira Gandhi.
The palace now houses a museum and library. The museum consists of several
personal items and furniture that were used by the Nehru family and Mahatma
Gandhi too, when he came to meet them.

In close proximity to the Anand Bhavan is the Swaraj Bhavan where Moti Lal
Nehru used to stay before 1930. It has also been now converted into a
museum. It is the place where Jawaharlal Nehru's daughter and first women
Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, was born.

Bharadwaj Ashram : The importance of this Ashram can be
known from the fact that its name appears in the most revered Hindu epic
Ramayayana as a place where Lord Rama sought preachings of a sage during his
stay in the forest. Bharadwaj Ashram is the place where renowned saint
Bharadwaj used to stay.

Fairs And FestivalsPurna Kumbh Mela :The Purna Kumbh Mela takes place after
every 12 years, the next one is scheduled in February, 2013. It is the most
auspicious fair for the Hindus and involves the largest gathering of the
World. The Kumbh Mela of 1989 saw witnessed a round fifteen million devotees
who took a dip in the Sangam waters.

In Hindu Mythology, it is believed that Gods churned the holy ocean, with
the help of demons, to get nectar for immortality of the Gods. But the
demons started fighting for the nectar port, which resulted in drops of
nectar beiing fallen in four places that became pilgrimage sites. These
places are Prayag, Ujjain, Nasik and Haridwar. The Maha Kumbh, that takes
place after 12 Purna kumbhs, or 144 years, takes place only in Prayag,
Allahabad while the Purna Prayag takes place in all the four pilgrimage
sites.

Ardh Kumbh : Ardh Kumbh takes place in the months of
April/May after every six years.

Magh Mela : The Magh Fair or Magh Mela takes place in
January/ February and lasts for a month or so. Millions of people come to
the banks of Sangam to take a holy dip in the sacred waters and wash away
their sins during this holy fair. Various ashrams put up camps where
kalpavasis stay during the period of the fair. It is also widely known as
the Mini Kumbh as it is the annual version of the Kumbh.

Deepavali : Grandly celebrated across the country in the
month of October/November, Diwali or Deepavali is the main festival of the
Hindus and is referred as the festival of lights bringing joy and happiness.
In Allahabad, the festival attains special celebrations as Puja, Arti,
fairs, decorations diyas light up the banks of the sacred rivers Ganga and
Yamuna.

Shopping In Allahabad
Katra, Chowk, the Civil Lines, MG Marg, Vivekananda Marg, stalls near
Sangam and the markets of Allahpur are the areas worth a visit to shop for
nick- knacks, religious paraphernalia like incense sticks, camphor, etc.,
idols of Gods and goddesses in silver and bronze and philosophical books
from the most renowned and best of publishers in the country. Don't forget
to taste the specialty of Allahabad, seedless and sweet guavas, while you
tour around the city.

How To ReachAir : The main airport near Allahabad is in Varanasi, connecting it
to major cities of the country.

Rail : The city is well connected with important cities through a
network of railway routes and regular trains from Allahabad Junction, the
main Railway station located in the heart of the city.

Road : National Highway 2 and 27 pass through he city. Even AC Buses
and Private Coaches to Delhi and Kolkatta are available from Allahabad.